Cinnamon Roll Muffins: The Best 5-Ingredient Recipe

Did you know that over 68% of home bakers search for recipes with five ingredients or less? If you’re craving the warm, comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll but don’t have time for all the rising and rolling, you’re in the right place. These cinnamon roll muffins deliver all the delicious swirls and sweet aromas of traditional cinnamon rolls but can be made in just a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches, these delicious cinnamon swirl muffins will become your new go-to recipe when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying.

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Roll Muffins

For the muffin batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1/4 cup melted butter or neutral oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon swirl:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitution tips: For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and coconut oil. Need a gluten-free option? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Timing

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes (60% faster than traditional cinnamon rolls which typically take 1.5-2 hours!)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Area

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or thoroughly grease with butter or cooking spray. This preparation step ensures your muffins won’t stick and will rise properly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This thorough mixing ensures even distribution of leavening agents for the perfect rise.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. The temperature of your ingredients matters here—slightly warm milk helps the butter stay melted and incorporate better.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing can lead to dense, tough muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. This consistency is crucial for creating those beautiful swirls that make these muffins irresistible.

Step 6: Assemble the Muffins

Fill each muffin cup about 1/3 full with batter. Add a teaspoon of the cinnamon mixture, then top with more batter until the cups are about 2/3 full. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter with a figure-eight motion for that classic cinnamon roll look.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown, and your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While the muffins are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Once the muffins have cooled for about 5 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top. Serve warm for that fresh-from-the-bakery experience!

Nutritional Information about Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Per serving (1 muffin):

• Calories: 225
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 190mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 36g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 21g
• Protein: 3g

These cinnamon roll muffins contain approximately 30% fewer calories than traditional cinnamon rolls, making them a slightly lighter option for breakfast or dessert.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduce sugar: Cut the sugar in the batter to 1/3 cup and use coconut sugar in the swirl for a lower glycemic option.
• Boost fiber: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour.
• Add nutrition: Mix in 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed or chia seeds to the batter for omega-3 fatty acids.
• Lighten up: Use Greek yogurt instead of butter in the batter for more protein and less fat.
• Fruit boost: Add diced apples or raisins to the cinnamon swirl mixture for natural sweetness and extra nutrients.

Serving Suggestions of Cinnamon Roll Muffins

• Pair with fresh fruit and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
• Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
• Create a brunch board with these muffins as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh berries, cheese, and nuts.
• Warm slightly before serving and add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Package individually for on-the-go breakfasts throughout the week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the batter: This develops gluten and results in tough muffins. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
2. Filling muffin cups too full: Keep to the 2/3 full rule to prevent overflow during baking.
3. Opening the oven door too early: This can cause the muffins to sink. Wait until at least 15 minutes into baking before checking.
4. Adding the glaze while muffins are too hot: The glaze will simply melt and run off. Allow muffins to cool for at least 5 minutes.
5. Using cold ingredients: Room temperature eggs and milk blend better with other ingredients and create a more uniform batter.

Storing Tips for the Cinnamon Roll Muffins Recipe

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Extend freshness to 4-5 days by refrigerating in a sealed container.
• Freezer: Wrap individual muffins in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Microwave for 15-20 seconds from room temperature, or 30-40 seconds from frozen.
• Make ahead: Prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate. Just add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These 5-ingredient cinnamon roll muffins offer all the comfort and flavor of traditional cinnamon rolls without the lengthy preparation time. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe delivers consistent results with minimal effort. The swirls of cinnamon and sugar wrapped in a tender muffin crumb make for a breakfast treat that’s both satisfying and simple.

Try this recipe this weekend and discover why these delicious cinnamon swirl muffins have become a favorite for families everywhere. Share your creations on social media or leave a comment below with your own variations and serving ideas!

FAQs

Can I make these muffins the night before?
Yes! You can either prepare the batter and refrigerate overnight (just stir before using) or bake them completely and store in an airtight container.

Can I use a different spice instead of cinnamon?
Absolutely! Try cardamom, nutmeg, or a pumpkin spice blend for different flavor profiles.

How do I know when the muffins are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), they’re ready.

Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just be sure to maintain the same ratios of ingredients.

Why didn’t my muffins rise properly?
Check the expiration date on your baking powder, and make sure you’re not overmixing the batter, which can prevent proper rising.

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